Louisiana House Bill HCR147

Louisiana 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/2/11
• Engrossed: 6/6/11
• Passed: 6/8/11

Caption

Requests the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine to admit more Louisiana residents who are interested in large animal care to its program

Impact

If implemented, HCR147 would influence the admissions criteria at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine by encouraging a weighting system favoring Louisiana residents who demonstrate a commitment to large animal or food animal interests. This shift aims to ensure that at least 75% of each newly admitted class consists of Louisiana residents, potentially transforming the demographic of the veterinary workforce in the state and directly impacting agricultural practices and livestock care.

Summary

HCR147 urges and requests the Louisiana State University (LSU) School of Veterinary Medicine to increase the admission of Louisiana residents interested in large animal care within its veterinary program. The bill acknowledges the vital role that large animal veterinarians play in Louisiana's agricultural economy, emphasizing the need for professional and competent veterinarians to support the state's food production and overall economic health. The resolution also commends the LSU School for its progress in admitting more in-state students, noting that 69% of the 2015 class were Louisiana residents.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR147 appears to be overwhelmingly positive, as it aligns state educational resources with local economic needs. Supporters of the bill, including legislative representatives, view this resolution as a proactive measure to nurture local talent within veterinary medicine, which is crucial for sustaining the state's agricultural foundation. The bill’s commendation of the LSU School indicates a recognition of past achievements and a collective effort towards enhancing the veterinary care landscape in Louisiana.

Contention

While the primary focus of HCR147 is on increasing the percentage of in-state students in the veterinary program, potential points of contention may arise surrounding the implications of prioritizing residents over other qualified candidates. There could be debates regarding the balance between ensuring broad access to veterinary education while addressing specific state needs. Additionally, scrutiny may emerge regarding the effectiveness of the proposed weighting system in practice and whether it fulfills the intended goals of enhancing local veterinary services.